A new story added. This one veered between fantasy and science fiction – it started out as an old school Asimov style robot story and then settled into one with a bhut. I submitted it to an anthology once but it was rejected and then I couldn’t be bothered to submit it again. So here it is.
The tsunami in Ormara, on the coast of Balochistan, was a historical event, as are the mud volcanoes on that coastline. I read a report (PDF) which collected survivors’ accounts. I drew on it for Mrs Salman’s recollections.
Much of the present-day story is drawn from my own memory and experiences as a carer for a very sick person. I hope that any readers who should find the story will find it sympathetic. I am particularly worried about any anti-fat prejudice, because that was far from my intent. If I should receive such feedback I will be very happy to revise it and learn for the future.